Ship traffic in the Istanbul Strait has been temporarily suspended in both directions after the ALEXIS, a 229-meter-long cargo ship, ran aground near the Haydarpaşa Breakwater. The incident has led to a significant disruption in the usual flow of maritime traffic through the busy waterway.
According to a statement from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, the ship, en route from Ukraine to Egypt, experienced a mechanical failure that caused it to run aground. In response, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure’s General Directorate of Coastal Safety launched a swift rescue operation to address the issue.
Rescue teams quickly mobilized KURTARMA-6, KURTARMA-8, and KURTARMA-18 tugboats to the scene. Additionally, KEGM-4 and KEGM-6 high-speed rescue boats, along with divers, were dispatched to aid in the rescue efforts.
Authorities noted that ship traffic in the strait has been temporarily halted in both directions to ensure a safe and efficient rescue operation. It is expected that traffic will resume once the cargo ship is successfully refloated and towed to a safe location.
This incident highlights the complexities of maritime traffic in the Istanbul Strait and the potential risks posed by mechanical failures and other unforeseen issues. The General Directorate of Coastal Safety remains committed to ensuring maritime safety and minimizing environmental impacts through swift and effective response measures.
